The Honeypot: January's Sweet & Spicy Book Picks
- Ingrid Rivera
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Welcome to our tantalizing journey through the literary spice rack! We're diving deep into the world of books, exploring the spectrum from the mild to the fiery hot. Just like spices add flavor and excitement to our favorite dishes, books can range from subtle and understated to bold and intense in their storytelling. Join us as we embark on a flavorful adventure, uncovering titles that offer a little extra zest and heat to your reading experience. Whether you're craving a gentle simmer or a full-blown inferno of emotions, there's something on this spicy bookshelf for every palate. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to spice up your reading like never before!
Content & Trigger Disclaimer: The books featured below contain mature themes and explicit sexual content that may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18. While we strive to offer a diverse selection of literature in our Honeypot section, we acknowledge that some content may not be appropriate for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised, and we encourage adult readers to explore these titles with an open mind and awareness of their content. Additionally, we remind parents and guardians to exercise caution and discretion when selecting reading material for younger audiences. |
The Beeswax
The first of the three ratings is Wax. Just like handling wax, which can be slippery yet becomes brittle when dried, Wax books contain no explicit sensuality. While physical romance may be hinted at or described in general terms, it will not be detailed. These picks aim to provide recommendations for readers seeking wholesome and enriching stories without the added spice found in some novels.
Supercommunicators
by Charles Duhigg
Who and what are supercommunicators? They're the people who can steer a conversation to a successful conclusion. They are able to talk about difficult topics without giving offence. They know how to make others feel at ease and share what they think. They're brilliant facilitators and decision-guiders. How do they do it?
In this groundbreaking book, Charles Duhigg unravels the secrets of the supercommunicators to reveal the art - and the science - of successful communication. He unpicks the different types of everyday conversation and pinpoints why some go smoothly while others swiftly fall apart. He reveals the conversational questions and gambits that bring people together. And he shows how even the most tricky of encounters can be turned around. In the process, he shows why a CIA operative was able to win over a reluctant spy, how a member of a jury got his fellow jurors to view an open-and-shut case differently, and what a doctor found they needed to do to engage with a vaccine sceptic.
Above all, he reveals the techniques we can all master to successfully connect with others, however tricky the circumstances. Packed with fascinating case studies and drawing on cutting-edge research, this book will change the way you think about what you say, and how you say it.
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come
by Jessica Pan
What would happen if a shy introvert lived like a gregarious extrovert for one year? If she knowingly and willingly put herself in perilous social situations that she’d normally avoid at all costs? Writer Jessica Pan intends to find out. With the help of various extrovert mentors, Pan sets up a series of personal challenges (talk to strangers, perform stand-up comedy, host a dinner party, travel alone, make friends on the road, and much worse) to explore whether living like an extrovert can teach her lessons that might improve the quality of her life. Chronicling the author’s hilarious and painful year of misadventures, this book explores what happens when one introvert fights her natural tendencies, takes the plunge, and tries (and sometimes fails) to be a little bit braver.
The Sweet Spot
Moving up a step, the second rating is Honey. Honey is significantly stickier than wax, but more importantly, it is sweeter. These curated books strike the perfect balance between intimacy and storytelling. In simpler terms, think "fade to black." These books may include moderate sensuality and physical actions, which will be described in detail but not explicitly written. Whether you're intrigued by the idea of diving into a spicy read or prefer to ease into it gradually, these selections are tailor-made for you.
Gender Magic
by Rae McDaniel
A first-of-its-kind practical guide to achieving gender freedom with joy, curiosity, and pleasure for transgender and non-binary individuals, gender explorers, and those who love them—perfect for readers of The Body is Not an Apology and Pleasure Activism .
Taking everything they know from more than a decade of working with the queer and trans community, their personal journey of gender exploration, and clinical best practices, licensed therapist, coach, and speaker Rae McDaniel created the Gender Freedom Model. A uniquely supportive narrative for gender exploration and transition grounded in queer joy, their nine-pillar model has helped thousands of transgender and nonbinary individuals explore gender through play, pleasure, and freedom. And now, it can help you too.
Whether you're transgender, non-binary, cisgender, or still exploring, this compassionate and practical guide will help you experience your gender in new, expansive ways by Brimming with warmth, celebration, and practical advice Gender Magic is essential reading for anyone who yearns to step into their fullest self and imagine a life beyond gender binaries. Because you—yes YOU—are magic.
Call It What You Want
by Alissa DeRogatis
Sloane Hart is a hopeless romantic who always believed her great love story was out there, until her parents’ divorce shattered that dream. She swears off dating and is determined to graduate college, become a writer and move to New York City. Until she meets Ethan. Ethan Brady is guarded and mysterious, unwilling to talk about his past or let anyone get too close.
As they start dating without labels, they both know it can’t last forever. Sloane imagines a future with Ethan but he can’t give her the commitment she needs. Will she be able to convince Ethan to take a chance on it? Or will she have to learn the hard way that some things just aren’t meant to be?
Sloane and Ethan’s story is a bittersweet tale of love and self-discovery that explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges of moving on.
The Spice Rack
At last, we've arrived at the final rating: Nectar. These books are not for the faint of heart; that much is guaranteed. They will have your blood pumping, your palms sweating, and your heart racing. Whether you're into the typical, the taboo, or any of the myriad kinks out there, this section will surely have something for you! Our recommendations will feature explicit sensuality, sex will be depicted in graphic detail, and there's always a chance that acts beyond intercourse may make an appearance.
A Practical Guide to Sex
by Dr. Meg-John Barker & Justin Hancock
Enjoy Sex is a truly practical, friendly guide through the confusing, and sometimes alarming, world of sex and sexuality. Its radical approach puts your experience at the heart of the book, and invites you to explore what might be enjoyable to you.
With the authors’ engaging and thoughtful style, the book challenges the messages we receive about ‘normal’ sex, looks at how to understand and care for yourself, delves into ideas of pleasure for different bodies, ages and tastes, explores relationships, and tackles the tricky topics of communication and consent.
So, throw out the rule book and learn to listen to your own desires. This may just be the most helpful book about sex ever.
Queer Sex
by Juno Roche
In this frank, funny and poignant book, transgender activist Juno Roche discusses sex, desire and dating with leading figures from the trans and non-binary community. Calling out prejudices and inspiring readers to explore their own concepts of intimacy and sexuality, the first-hand accounts celebrate the wonder and potential of trans bodies and push at the boundaries of how society views gender, sexuality and relationships. Empowering and necessary, this collection shows all trans people deserve to feel brave, beautiful and sexy.
Comments